The Importance of Spay and Neuter
Spaying and neutering your pets is a core responsibility of being a pet owner. The benefits of spaying and neutering pets are undeniable. Dog and cat owners understandably want to be informed before scheduling surgery, even though spaying and neutering are among the most common veterinary services. Consider this blog an early resource before you talk to your veterinarian about your own pet.
Why Spay and Neuter?
One of the most commonly discussed and understood reasons to spay or neuter your pet is pet population control. An unspayed cat can have 5 kittens per litter. She can have 2 to 3 litters a year. That means she has produced at least 10 – 15 kittens in one year. Imagine, then, if each of her kittens is unaltered (not spayed or neutered). The cat population rises quickly and exponentially, starting with just one unspayed cat!
Each year, U.S. shelters take in 3.2 million cats and a similar number of dogs. Spaying your dog or cat helps reduce shelter overcrowding, eases the burden on rescues, and lowers the number of unhoused pets euthanized due to limited space.
Better Behavior
Spaying and neutering pets can also curb behaviors caused by the drive to mate. Your unspayed female pet may become irritable or restless when she enters heat, and unneutered males may have the urge to roam your neighborhood in search of those in-heat females. Altered dogs and cats may be less likely to attempt “escapes” in search of a mate.
Behavior benefits of spaying and neutering occur close to home as well. While dogs generally urine-mark all over the backyard, they’re less likely to use this method of claiming territory inside the home, particularly neutered males. The same is true for cats. Neutered male cats are less likely to “spray” inside your home, keeping their urine within the litter box instead. Spaying and neutering your pet improves behavior all around!
Cancer and Illness Risk Reduction
Depending on a few factors, such as timing and pet breed, having your pet “fixed” can drastically reduce the risk for some cancers, such as mammary cancer or testicular cancer. There are some guarantees, too. For instance, during spay surgery, the ovaries are removed, meaning that your dog or cat cannot develop ovarian cancer. Your veterinary team can talk with you about the timing of surgery for your pet.
Spay surgery has further distinctive health benefits. Spayed females cannot develop pyometra, which is a dangerous infection of the uterus. In addition, while the first heat cycle can occur at or even before 6 months of age, such an early pregnancy can be dangerous for a puppy or kitten, so it’s best to spay as early as is safely possible.
At Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital, we understand that each pet is unique. We carefully consider factors such as breed, age, and pre-existing conditions before we recommend surgery. We’re happy to answer your questions and create a personalized plan for your dog or cat; give us a call at (916) 624-7387 to schedule an appointment today!